OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking updated information about 15 wildlife species as part of a review of native wildlife populations listed by the state as endangered, threatened or sensitive.

The comment period is part of a process to update status reports for each species and determine whether the species warrants its current listing or deserves to be reclassified or delisted.

WDFW is specifically looking for information on:

Species demographics

Habitat conditions

Threats and trends

Conservation measures that have benefited the species

New data collected since the last status review for the species

Public input is an essential part of gathering the best available scientific data for a species, said Penny Becker, WDFW listing and recovery section manager.

"We are interested in obtaining information from the public, including non-governmental groups, universities, private researchers and naturalists," Becker said. "Such groups and individuals could have valuable data, such as annual population counts or privately developed habitat management plans."

Updated status reports will be posted on the department's website beginning next spring. Additional public comment would be sought if WDFW proposes to change a species' status after concluding its review.

The public will be invited to comment on 30 other endangered, threatened or sensitive species over the next few years as WDFW conducts reviews.